HONOLULU — An old City and County of Honolulu bus will pick up homeless people who accept services and take them to the city’s Leahi or Aala respite centers and shelters.
According to a release, this is a new strategy through the Honolulu Emergency Services Department that will bring essential services to those in need and leave resources available for medical emergencies.
Two to three Emergency Medical Technicians will staff the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement Bus.
The bus will carry medical equipment, used clothing, adult diapers, and hygiene supplies.
“Big problems need big solutions but not necessarily expensive solutions. This is a retired city bus, with roughly 1.7 million miles on it, but it can still be put to good use,” said Jim Ireland, HESD Director, in a statement. “If someone needs medical attention, they will be able to lay flat on a stretcher safely and receive care on their way to a respite center.”
The C.O.R.E. Bus will be sent once a week to encampments, parks, beaches, and other areas to transport homeless people. The bus can transport 29 people—12 lying down and 17 sitting—at a time. It will also include kennels for pets.
"We couldn't be more proud of the excellent work that C.O.R.E. is doing," said Department of Community Services Director Anton Krucky in a statement. "This bus is a massive step forward in helping our medically vulnerable homeless community achieve stability and a realistic path towards finally ending their struggle with homelessness. Our work is focused on bringing a variety of beds, of many kinds, for our people, so that they can continue.”
This is not the first retired city bus given to the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.
In 2015, an old bus was retrofitted to transport multiple patients in the case of a disaster or mass evacuation event.